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Cryptorchidism (undescended testes) is a condition where one or both testes do not move down into the scrotum. About four to five boys in every 100 have undescended testes when they are born. Thirty per cent of cases involve both testes.
Down there
This condition is more commonly seen in premature boys because the testes do not move down from the abdomen to the scrotum until the eighth month of pregnancy.
Other causes include hormonal and genetic disorders, spina bifida, retractile testes (testes that can be pulled down into the scrotum), or absent testes.
How is it treated?
Diagnosis is based on the baby’s complete medical history and a physical examination.
The testes may come down by themselves in the first three months after birth. If they have not come down by the time the baby is six months old, the testes may not come down at all. An operation called orchidopexy is needed.
An orchidopexy brings the testes down to their normal position in the scrotum. The operation is usually performed when the baby is between six and 18 months old. It is successful in 98 per cent of children with this condition.
Are there any complications?
If cryptorchidism is not treated, these complications may occur as the child grows:
- Trauma such as twisting (testicular torsion)
- Linguinal hernia (loops of bowel coming through the same hole as the testes)
- Lower fertility (as the higher temperature in the abdomen affects sperm production)
- The risk of testicular cancer increases considerably by age 30 or 40.
- The man may also have psychological problems such as poor self-esteem as a result of an empty scrotum.
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